Choose the Right Window Treatment for Your Space

When it comes to interior design, the myriad options available when revamping your home can be an exciting prospect. From swatch-testing different paint shades to scouring Pinterest for inspiration, styling your space is often a meticulously planned operation. Unfortunately, there's often one thing left out of your décor decisions—an afterthought that is sometimes left to a flippant stab-in-the-dark choice. Your windows!

While getting caught up in the flurry of furniture, fixtures, and fitting choices, window treatments are rarely given the attention they deserve. Yet despite their perceived lack of importance, how you dress your window can make or break your room.

That said, understanding your options is key to choosing the right design. Despite what you may think, the possibilities for window treatments are extensive, and considering how your window space will bring your entire space together is paramount.

To help you choose the right window treatment for your space, we've broken down the top five most popular options so you can understand when and how to use them…

Drapery

Drapery or curtains can create many different looks depending on your ideal style. From bold and dramatic to fresh and casual, your chosen fabric and color can influence your room's overall theme and feel. Long, heavy drapes bring an air of luxury and sophistication to a room, while drapes light in weight and color set a fresh and breezy tone. You can also use a combination of drapery and blinds for an effective layered effect.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are another option that affords you the versatility of color, pattern, and fabric. Unlike drapery, though, they do not pack the same statement-making punch but still help set the tone of a room. Roman shades fit nicely into the window area, allowing you to showcase as much fabric as you want, creating the required aesthetic without drawing all the attention.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are an extremely practical option when it comes to window treatments. Although they come in various colors, the design choices are limited compared to other options. Their effectiveness at filtering light and reducing external noise cannot be disputed.

Shutters

Shutters set an elegant tone for your room, acting as a bold statement in even the smallest spaces. Their simple yet effective design makes up for the lack of options. Colors are limited, usually to white, cream, black, and brown tones, but that's generally for good reason; patterns and vibrant colors don't really fit the overall vibe shutters bring!

That said, shutter styles do vary. Plantation shutters are the most popular style, covering the whole window and operating from a louver-style mechanism for easy opening and closing.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are extremely popular as they're easy to clean and one of the most affordable options. Available in various materials and colors, vertical blinds make covering large windows simple. Their easy operation, quick adjustment capabilities, and ability to block out external weather (insulating against sunlight and cold) make them a great choice for houses in any climate.

Use if: you have a large space to cover. Vertical blinds are extremely effective when used on patio doors or other large window spaces but they may be considered more a functional option than a statement piece. 

Whichever window treatment option you use, consider your choices as meticulously as you do the rest of your room. You may actually find that by choosing the right window option, you'll cut down on how much you need to focus on the rest of the room!